With more than 145,000 gas stations nationwide, it’s no surprise that competition can be tough. You might feel immense pressure to differentiate your business and offerings, especially in areas with multiple gas stations right next to each other.

If you’re cracking under the pressure and feel like your current day-to-day management approach isn’t working, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top 10 gas station management tips to help you turn things around and make your business stand out in a saturated market.

1. Sell More Than Just Gas

Those 145,000 fueling stations we mentioned earlier? More than 127,000 of them are convenience stores that also sell gas. To stay competitive and keep profits up, you need to offer your customers more than just vehicle fuel. Drivers are more likely to stop at your gas station if you also have the right products and services. Think snacks, drinks, last-minute essentials, bathrooms, and even a car wash.

Don’t forget to manage your inventory efficiently. Customers should be able to consistently find the products they need whenever they enter your store — no empty spots on the shelves!

2. Prioritize Customer Service

According to a Khoros survey on customer service, 65% of customers who have had a lousy experience switch to a different brand. Providing exceptional service is crucial to gaining repeat local customers. Train your staff to be friendly, fast, and helpful. A pleasant greeting and quick checkout can go a long way in making the right impression.

3. Hire and Retain Top Talent

Some of the best advice for running a gas station? Focus on your people. To provide unbeatable customer service, you need a stellar staff. Hire employees who have customer service experience or a charismatic personality. Then, invest in them. Provide regular training, competitive wages, and a safe working environment. The happier and more engaged your employees are, the better they’ll perform, and the more your business will benefit.

4. Keep Things Clean

A clean environment can make customers feel more welcome and increase their chances of returning. With gas stations having a bad rep regarding cleanliness, keeping things clean and tidy can put you above competitors. Make sure the inside and outside of your business always look cared for. And with pump handles being the dirtiest thing at gas stations, you can’t go wrong with offering hand sanitizer at the pump.

5. Lock In a Reliable Fuel Supplier

While you need to offer more than gas, fuel is still the main draw for your business. The last thing you want is to run out, especially during a busy day. Not only will you miss out on potential c-store sales for the day, but customers might see you as unreliable and be less likely to choose your station the next time they need to fill up.

When figuring out how to run a gas station, a lot of attention should be placed on buying wholesale fuel. You need to find a supplier you know you can depend on. Do your research to find one who offers the type of fuel you want, great prices, and a reliable delivery system — like Venture Fuels.

6. Install EV Chargers

This tip takes a bit of investment upfront, but the benefits of installing an EV charger can pay off in the long run. If you’re focused on gas, you may limit your customer base to only those with combustion engines. With EV chargers, you can expand your reach and capture business from customers with electric cars. They might stop by for a quick charge, but just like your gas customers, they’ll be tempted by the products you offer inside your c-store.

7. Maintain Consistent Store Hours

Stick to the operating hours you have posted on your doors and website. It’s frustrating for customers to stop by for snacks and other items only to realize you’re not open when you said you’d be. This experience can leave a bad taste in their mouths and cause them to turn to the competition.

8. Offer Competitive Pricing

Price is often a huge factor in a customer’s decision to stop for fuel. Offering lower prices can draw more customers to your business. And while you might make less off the gas sale, more customers can lead to higher profits from your c-store products. Monitor local prices and adjust your strategy to stay competitive. Choosing unbranded fuel is another great way to offer lower prices.

9. Promote Your Business

Gas stations are a necessity, and drivers will stop at one regardless. However, a solid marketing and promotion strategy can ensure that customers stop at your gas station instead of the one across the road. Use social media, billboards, local newspapers, flyers, and loyalty programs to draw traffic to your business.

10. Stay Informed and Adapt to the Industry

Managing a gas station is not a set-it-and-forget-it deal. You need to stay up to date on the industry to remain competitive. Subscribe to relevant industry news sources and keep up with new trends. Adapt to the latest technology and changes in consumer behavior.

GIVE YOUR GAS STATION A BOOST WITH VENTURE FUELS

A reliable fuel supply is a must for any gas station owner. With Venture Fuels, you’ll know you have a supplier you can depend on. By partnering with major Midwest refiners, we can offer reliable fuel delivery at amazing prices. Learn more about how we can help your gas station business.